Clashes among Saudi-backed factions lead to withdrawal of Kahboub Mountains
LAHJ, Oct. 18 (YPA) – Sharp disputes and clashes have erupted among leaders of factions loyal to Saudi Arabia, culminating in the withdrawal of Al-Amaliqa brigades’ fighters from several positions in the highlands of the Kahboub Mountains, west of Ras al-Ara district in Lahj province.
Southern sources familiar with the matter said escalating tensions between Saudi-backed Salafi commander Abdulrahman al-Lahji, appointed by Riyadh to lead what is known as Dera al-Watan forces, and field commanders aligned with Abdulrahman al-Muharrami, a Salafi leader affiliated with the UAE who commands the Giants Brigades. The dispute reportedly centers on allegations of treason.
The sources said Saif Mohammed Nasser Subaih, commander of what is known as the Al-Amaliqa brigades’ operations, ordered his forces to withdraw from positions in the Kahboub highlands after they came under surprise attacks by Sanaa forces. The withdrawal coincided with Saudi airstrikes described by some as mistaken.
They added that the conflict and tensions between field commanders of the Giants Brigades and Dera al-Watan forces had escalated for a second time, following Al-Amaliqa brigades’ withdrawal in recent weeks from positions in Al-Mudharaba, where they reportedly refused to fight Sanaa forces outside what they call the southern territories.
According to the sources, Giants Brigades commanders left the Saudi-backed Dera al-Watan factions to face Sanaa forces in those areas on their own.
The report noted that the Al-Amaliqa brigades, established by the UAE in previous years, have been subjected to numerous Saudi airstrikes in Al-Mudharaba and Ras al-Ara, which were described as mistaken.
The strikes killed and wounded hundreds of fighters. Field commanders aligned with Saudi Arabia have been accused of targeting and weakening Al-Amaliqa brigades, particularly because the Saudi-established Homeland Shield Forces are loyal to Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, unlike the Al-Amaliqa brigades.
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